NRTG’s MicroCourses provide a flexible and enriching pathway to build your skills and expertise – one focused, practical course at a time. Birding 101 delivers foundational bird identification training in a streamlined, easy-to-digest format designed for immediate, real-world application.

Whether you’re a budding birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or field researcher just starting out, this introductory MicroCourse will help you build a strong foundation in bird identification.

You’ll learn to recognize common bird species by observing key traits such as size and shape, plumage patterns, behaviours, habitats, and vocalizations. The course focuses on species typically found across Canada and the northern United States – making it the perfect entry point into the world of ornithology and outdoor wildlife observation.

Through interactive lessons, audio recordings, and visual aids, you’ll gain practical skills in:

• Using binoculars and field guides effectively
• Practicing ethical, non-intrusive birdwatching techniques
• Taking accurate field notes and documenting species
• Differentiating similar species and recognizing seasonal changes
• Understanding bird behaviour in an ecological context

You’ll also explore how to contribute to citizen science projects like eBird and iNaturalist—playing a role in real-world bird conservation and research.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to confidently identify a variety of common birds and continue developing your birding skills in the field.

Course will be 4 hours long.